Ophthalmology · Annual Conference
44th Congress of the ESCRS
Organised by the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Dates11–15 Sept 2026
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
The 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons is ESCRS's 2026 flagship cataract and refractive surgery meeting at ExCeL London, with research presentations, surgical education, symposia, leadership sessions and industry programming.
Next stepReady to attend?
Register
Dr Robert BaxterAt a glance
NetworkingThe congress promotes networking, learning and socialising across an expected…View detail
The congress promotes networking, learning and socialising across an expected audience of more than 15,000 delegates.
Research ValueAbstracts are reviewed by the Programme Committee, accepted research is…View detail
Abstracts are reviewed by the Programme Committee, accepted research is posted online at ESCRS.org, and every repository abstract has its own DOI for citation.
Trainee RelevanceTrainee/resident member and non-member fee categories are published in EUR,…View detail
Trainee/resident member and non-member fee categories are published in EUR, and the congress includes Young Ophthalmologist video routes, BoSS mentoring and surgical education sessions.
ProgrammeSchedule and session highlights＋
Key Themes
Cataract surgeryRefractive surgeryCornea and ocular surfaceGlaucoma and MIGSSurgical educationLeadership, diversity and mentoringAI and digital innovationGlobal ophthalmology
Congress day
Opening programme, Independent Medical Education symposium on refractive surgery and congress highlights
SpeakersKeynotes and featured experts＋
Keynote
PI
Prof. Ioannis Pallikaris
Heritage Lecture: Lasik What Next?
Keynote
OF
Oliver Findl
Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
Ridley Medal Lecture: The Flow of Cataract Surgery
CG
Christina Grupcheva
Near-Live Surgery co-chair
MN
Mario Nubile
Near-Live Surgery co-chair
FW
Felix Wagner
Combined Cataract and MIGS Surgery: A Practical Approach
DZ
Dan Z. Reinstein
The Jazz of Refractive Surgery
MD
Mor Dickman
Netherlands
BoSS Symposium chair
GA
Ghada Atta
Germany
BoSS Symposium chair
JH
Jeroen Hendriks
Netherlands
Psychological Safety: What it is and what it is not
SH
Simon Holland
United Kingdom
Why Psychological Safety Matters
AbstractsClosed · 5 Mar 2026＋
Abstract submissions are closed
Deadline: 5 March 2026
What You Can Submit
free paperpresented posterpostercase reportvideo competitionvideo symposiumvideo libraryyoung ophthalmologist videoESONT e-posterESONT presented posterinstructional courseWorld Cafe case
Submission Specifications
Formats
Free Paper, Presented Poster, Poster, Case Report, Video Competition, Video Symposium, Video Library, Young Ophthalmologist Video, ESONT Presented Poster/ePoster, Instructional Course and World Cafe case submission.
Deadline
Extended abstract deadline closed 5 March 2026, 23:59 CET; ESONT extended abstract deadline also closed 5 March 2026; video upload deadline closed 14 April 2026; World Cafe case deadline closed 23 March 2026; photo/video contest deadline closed 31 March 2026.
Keywords
At least two keywords are required. The ESCRS keyword PDF is an 8-page hierarchical taxonomy covering Cataract Surgery, Corneal Surgery and related cataract/refractive surgery terms.
Eligibility
Vision scientists must work in an academic setting with an ophthalmologist co-author; abstracts from company staff are not accepted. Accepted presenters are expected to attend in person.
Video Rules
Video Competition entries max 8 minutes; Video Symposium max 5 minutes; Video Library max 8 minutes; Young Ophthalmologist video max 3 minutes from one of the submitter's first 50-100 cataract cases. Narration and English title/narration are required; copyrighted music/material can disqualify entries.
Esont Structure
ESONT: Title, Purpose, Setting/Venue, Methods, Results, Conclusions, Financial Disclosure.
World Cafe Rules
World Cafe cases require a PowerPoint with up to 6 slides: case title, description, examinations, treatment/surgical video, outcomes and 2-3 conclusion statements. Accepted cases are presented by chairs; the submitting author does not have to attend.
Submission Limits
Each author may submit a maximum of two Free Papers; only one Poster and one Case Report abstract may be submitted. Only one Free Paper will be accepted per author; a second accepted Free Paper is considered as a Poster.
Publication Outcome
Accepted abstracts are posted online at ESCRS.org; the abstract repository states that every abstract has its own DOI.
Main Character Limits
Title 250 characters; Purpose 750; Setting 500; Methods 750; Results 750; Conclusions 750. Case Report: Purpose 750; Setting 500; Report of Case 1500; Conclusion/Take Home Message 750. Free Paper, Poster and Case Report maximum 3500 characters excluding title and authors.
Esont Character Limits
ESONT title 15 characters; Purpose 300; Setting/Venue 150; Methods 600; Results 600; Conclusions 300. One ESONT abstract per author may be accepted.
Accepted Abstracts File
Accepted abstracts workbook dated 14 July 2026 contains 2,595 rows across ePosters, Case Report, Free Paper and Presented Poster sheets.
Main Abstract Structure
Free Paper and Poster: Title, Purpose, Setting, Methods, Results, Conclusions, Financial Disclosure. Case Report: Purpose, Setting, Report of Case, Conclusion/Take Home Message.
Instructional Course Rules
Instructional Course submissions closed 3 November 2025. Courses are 90 minutes, require a director, written/email agreement from speakers, 2-6 faculty members, declaration of interest and independent review.
Categories & Recommended Topics
Anterior Segment Imaging
Cataract
Cataract Surgery Complications / Management / Prevention
Cataract Surgery Paediatric
Cataract Surgery Practice Styles
Cataract Surgery Techniques and Instrumentation
Evaluation Testing
IOLs - Complications
IOLs - EDOF
IOLs - Monofocal and Advanced Monofocal
IOLs - Multifocal
IOLs - Other
IOL Power Calculation
IOLs - Toric
Cornea
Combined Keratoplasty / Cataract Surgery
Collagen Cross Linking
Cornea Infectious Disease
Endothelial Keratoplasty
Keratoconus and Secondary Ectasia
Ocular Surface Disease
Glaucoma
Combined Glaucoma / Cataract Surgery
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Other in the Field of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Refractive LASIK
Lenticular Intrastomal Surgery
Phakic IOLs
Presbyopic Laser
Refractive Corneal Inlays
Refractive Surgery Instrumentation / Evaluation Devices
Surface Photoablation
Orbis: Treatment and Prevention of Blindness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Sustainability
Case Report: Cataract Surgery
Case Report: Corneal Surgery
Case Report: Refractive Surgery
Video Competition: Difficult and Special Cases
Video Competition: Educational
Video Competition: Historical
Video Competition: Innovative
Video Competition: Scientific
Video Competition: Residents in Training
Young Ophthalmologist Video: Basic video within the first 100 cataracts
Submission & registration deadlines2 tracked deadlines＋
Abstract deadline5 Mar 2026Checked 19 Aug 2026
Registration closes8 Sept 2026Checked 19 Aug 2026
Conference timeline3 key dates＋
5 Mar 2026
Abstract submission deadline
8 Sept 2026
Registration deadline
11 Sept 2026
Conference begins
Venue & travelExCeL Exhibition Centre · London＋
By CarExCeL operates ANPR parking and recommends pre-booking for visitors and exhibitors.
By TrainCustom House for ExCeL is served by the Elizabeth line and DLR; Prince Regent is served by the DLR.
Venue DetailsExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL. Main ESCRS 2026 entrance via Prince Regent.
Nearest AirportLondon airports via rail and public transport connections; international visitors may need an ETA or visa.
MedicMess tips8 practical tips＋
MedicMess Tips
- Regular registration deadline is 8 September 2026, 23:59 CEST; late and onsite fees apply from 9 September.
- Main abstract and ESONT deadlines closed on 5 March 2026; video upload closed on 14 April 2026.
- The accepted abstracts workbook lists 2,595 accepted rows across ePosters, case reports, free papers and presented posters.
- Fees are published in EUR; use the full extraction pricing table rather than GBP summary chips.
- ESCRS trainee-member bursaries are selected from high-scoring accepted Free Papers and Posters and provide complimentary Congress registration.
- World Cafe cases use a six-slide PowerPoint format and accepted cases are presented by Programme Committee chairs.
- Check ETA or visa requirements before travel to the United Kingdom.
- Use Prince Regent station for the main ESCRS 2026 congress entrance at ExCeL.
Complete guideFull MedicMess editorial briefing＋
ESCRS 2026 is the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, running at ExCeL London from 11 to 15 September 2026. The official congress pages describe a large face-to-face ophthalmology meeting with more than 15,000 expected delegates, European cataract and refractive surgery education, networking, surgical teaching and industry activity. Registration is open, with the regular deadline on 8 September 2026 and late/on-site rates after 9 September. Fees are published in EUR rather than GBP, so MedicMess keeps the GBP summary fields blank and stores the detailed EUR table in the extraction record. Abstract submission is closed for the 2026 cycle. The extended deadline was 5 March 2026, with video uploads due 14 April 2026. Submission routes include free papers, presented posters, posters, case reports and several video formats. Accepted abstracts are posted online at ESCRS.org and now carry DOI-backed repository records. The programme includes a five-day overview, opening ceremony, Arena sessions, World Cafe discussion, AI and 3D microscope sessions, global refractive and glaucoma content, near-live surgery, BoSS leadership and inclusion sessions, the Heritage Lecture and Ridley Medal Lecture. CME approval is not yet confirmed on the source; the homepage says ESCRS 2026 will be submitted to EACCME.
Frequently asked
- When is 44th Congress of the ESCRS?
- 44th Congress of the ESCRS takes place 11–15 Sept 2026 in ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London.
- Where is 44th Congress of the ESCRS held?
- 44th Congress of the ESCRS is held at ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London, United Kingdom.
- What is the abstract submission deadline for 44th Congress of the ESCRS?
- The abstract submission deadline for 44th Congress of the ESCRS (5 Mar 2026) has passed.
- When does registration close for 44th Congress of the ESCRS?
- Registration closes on 8 Sept 2026.
Similar conferences
View all Ophthalmology conferences →
Keep ahead of deadlines
Get Ophthalmology abstract deadlines — and every new conference — emailed to you every Saturday. Free.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.